To prepare for the upcoming mission to Duna, two communications satellites are being launched into extremely elliptical orbits over both poles of Kerbin, which means one will always be above/below the ecliptic at any given time. Once in a low parking orbit, the transfer stage will carry it high up above Kerbin and then detach and de-orbit, leaving the satellite in place. 3 communications dishes adorn the satellite. One can reach as far as Eeloo, and the other two are capable of inter-system communications as far as Minmus.

This is the second satellite to launch, although actually the third launch since the first IP ComSat failed after liftoff. It is currently scheduled to begin its ascent later today @ 23:25:00 UTC.